Spatio-Temporal Variations of Land-Use Land-Cover in Response to RUSLE Model in Swat Basin Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
Spatio-Temporal Variations of Land-Use Land-Cover in Response to RUSLE Model in Swat Basin Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
Sumaira Kousar* and Safdar Ali Shirazi
ABSTRACT
Soil erosion stands as a formidable challenge, particularly in regions susceptible to a confluence of natural and anthropogenic factors. This study endeavors to unravel the intricacies of soil erosion within the Swat district, employing the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model alongside cutting-edge Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The RUSLE model, celebrated for its simplicity and efficiency, offers a lens to assess soil losses quantitatively, categorizing the basin area into five distinct vulnerability groups predicated on their proneness to soil erosion. The study’s findings spotlight alarming terrain vulnerability, specifically in the district’s northern expanse, encompassing locales like Kalam, Bahrain, and Pashmal. Within these regions, the magnitude of exposure is underscored by an average soil loss of 31.25 tonnes per hectare per year, coupled with compelling evidence of substantial erosion. The specter of erosion’s far-reaching implications beckons for immediate intervention, especially for the 2% of land grappling with extreme soil erosion. Urgent measures are imperative to preserve land integrity and safeguard the communities reliant on these resources. The amalgamation of GIS with the RUSLE model is indispensable in grappling with soil erosion’s complex tapestry. This synergy empowers soil conservation agencies to channel resources toward high-vulnerability regions, sculpting a landscape of proactive land preservation. As the study concludes, the imperative for future research echoes louder, beckoning to decipher the intricate web of contributors to soil erosion. The tale of soil preservation is far from over; it transforms into a symphony of knowledge and action orchestrated to better our shared terrestrial environment.
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